Liner hanger apparatus



Jan. 14, 1964 w. D. MYERS LINER HANGER APRARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet l .124.3

Filed Jan. 12, 1962 r rafa/sys.

WLM/9M B. MYERS Jan. 14, 1964 w. D. MYERS LINER HANGER APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 12, 1962 INVENTOR PV/u/QM MYERS ,4free/vers.

Jan. 14, 1964 w. D. MYERS LINER HANGER APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Jan. 12, 1962 B W/M@ M. 3

INVENTOR WLan/w D. MyE/QS ited States Patent Giiiee llbi Patented dan. ld, E954 3,117,628 LNER HANGER APPARATUS William D. Myers, Houston, Tex., assigner to Baker @il Tools, lne., Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California "lied dan. l2, 1%2, Ser. No. 165,857 16 Claims. (Cl. 16a- 208) The present invention relates to subsurface well bore apparatus, and more particularly to apparatus for running a liner in a well bore and securing it therewithin.

An object of the present invention is to provide an irnproved liner hanger apparatus capable of being readily run in a well bore, set in place, the setting tool portion or" the apparatus being easily released from the remainder of the apparatus for withdrawal from tbe well bore.

Another object of the invention is to provide a liner hanger apparatus adapted to be run in a well bore on a tubular string, which requires substantially no mechanical manipulation to eect its setting in the well bore, and having a setting tool readily released from the remainder of the apparatus to enable the tubular string and setting tool to be withdrawn from the well bore.

A further object of tbe invention is to provide a liner hanger apparatus which can be rotated, or reciprocated, or both, to correspondingly rnove a liner connected thereto and wall scratchers, or the like, mounted on the liner, without inadvertently setting the liner hanger in a cased well bore.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a liner hanger apparatus adapted to be set hydraulically in a cased well bore as incident of depositing ccrnentitious material behind th liner suspended from the liner hanger portion or the apparatus.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objects which may be made more Clearly appan ent from a consideration of a form in which it may be embodied. This forni is shown in the drwings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. lt will now be described in detail, for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that such detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of the invention is best defined by die appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

GURE l is a longitudinal section through a liner henger apparatus and a liner suspended t'lerefroin, with the parts in condition `or lowering the apparatus on a tubing string in a well casing;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section, on an enlarged scale, through an upper portion or the liner hanger apparatus disclosed in FIG. l;

Fl". 3 is a view similar to FlG. l disclosed the liner FlG. 5 is a loneudinal section similar to FEGS. 2 and 4, showing the liner hanger anchored in packed-oliC condition in the well casing;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section taken along the line 6-6 on PEG. 2;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal section through the portion of the apparatus `connecting the setting tool to tbe liner hanger, prior to release of the setting tool from tbe liner hanger.

As shown in the drawings, a liner A is connected to the lower end of a liner hanUer B releasably secured to a setting tool C connected to a tubular string D, such as tubing or drill pipe, extending to the top or" a well bore E containi g a well casing F. Usually the liner A is to be set in tne lower portion of the well casing F, with the liner irl overlapping relation therewith, but extending to the desired extent in the well bore below the lower end of tbe well casing.

The liner A is of a suitable length and diameter, ter rninating in a lower snoe G having a cement plug lil therein which llas a central passage il. Circulating fluid, cementitious material, and otner r'iuent substances can be purnped down through the liner and through the central passage ll in the shoe for discnarge into the well bore E. However, reverse flow of such lluid can be prevented, as by tue upward movement of a back pressure valve element 12 into engagement with a companion valve seat i3 appropriately secured within the cement plug l@ of the shoe.

The upper end of the liner A is threadedly secured to the lower end or the tubular body portion l-'i of the liner hanger B, this tubular body po tion having an upper head or abutment l5 threaded on its upper end. Surrounding the body and with its upper portion in engagement with the upper abutment l5 is a suitable packing structure such as a pliant, elastic packing sleeve of rubber or rubber-like material, the lower end of which engages an expander 17 having an external surface l tapering in a downward and inward direction. This ex ander engages companion internal tapered surfaces lil on a plurality or segmental slips 2li initially retained in retracted position in any suitable rnanner, as by having shear screws 2l attaching thern to the lower portion of tre expander 17. The slips have external wickers or teeth 22 adapted to be embedded in the wall of the well casing to prevent downward rnovernent of the li er hanger E therewithin.

Below tlle lower end ot the slips Ztl is an annular setting sleeve or cylinder 23, including a cylinder head Z4 slidable on the body ld and engageable with the slips 2i). Bepending from the head 24 is a cylinder skirt 25 slidable along the lower piston portion 25 of the body ld, there being a cylindrical space 27 between the skirt 25' and the smaller diameter portion 2d of the body above its piston portion 26 into which lluid under pressure can be directed, and described hereinbelow. Leakage orF fluit. from the cylinder space 27 in an upward direction is prevented by a suitable side seal 29, such as a rubber or rubber-like G ring, disposed in an internal groove Ell in the cylinder head 2e and slidably sealing against the periphery of the body r3.4, Leakage of i'iuid in a downward direction from the annular cylinder space 27 is prevented by a suitable side seal ring 3l, such as a rubber or rubber-like O ring, disposed in an external groove 32 in tbe piston portion Z6 of the body, and slidably sealing against the inner wall of the cylinder skirt 25.

The cylinder 23 can move upwardly relative to the body 14 when adequate duid pressure is imposed on the liquid in the annular cylinder 2'?. However, downward movement along the body is prevented by a one-way lock device of any suitable type. As shown, the lock device may include a split lock ring or sleeve 33 disposed in an internal groove 3d in the cylinder head 24s and having an external surface 35 tapering in an upward and inward direction adapted to be engaged by a companion internal surface 36 in the groove. The ring 33 can move relatively downwardly in the groove 34 to a released position, allowing the cylinder Z3 to rnove upwardly along the body 14. However, any tendency for the cylinder or setting sleeve 23 to move downwardly causes the tapered surfaces 35, 35 to coengage and wedge the split lock ring 33 inwardly to embed its teeth 37 in the periphery of the body le, the teeth facing in a downward direction, to prevent downward slipping of the ring 33 along the periphery of the body.

The liner hanger B and liner A are lowered by rneans o the tubular string D in the well casing F until the liner hanger is at the desired setting location in the well casing. rlie tubing string F is releasably connected to the liner hang/r through the agency of the setting tool C.

no -"n, the lower end of the tubular string E is threadccnnected to a mandrel sub 35, which, in turn, is tln'eadedly secured to the upper portion of a tubular extending downwardly 'through the packer body e mandrel has an enlarged head provided with circumferentialiy spaced longitudinally extending grooves l which lock keys or dogs e2 are receivable. The lower ends of the keys are inclined in a downward and outward dire non, engaging companion lower ends le of the longitudinal grooves il which are inclined in the same direction. The upper ends i5 of the keys i2 engage a mandrel ring threaded on the mandrel and having its lower end tac-ered downwardly and inwardly. The ring carries a seal ring 48, of rubber or rubberlike material, in a groove 49, the seal having a downwardly facing lip 5i? engaging the inner wall of the liner hanger body lll.

Each key d2 extends into a companion longitudinal slot Sl in the body ld, their outer ends 52 i 'I engaging the inner surface or wall 53 of the cylinder head so that the keys do not interfere with the ability of the cylinder 23 to be hydraulically shiled u wardly along the body ld. When engaged with the inner wall 53 of the cylinder head, the keys l2 are retained within the longitudinal mandrel grooves (il, and thereby couple the setting mandrel 3) to the body le of the hanger B for longitudinal movement tnerewith in both directions, and also for rotary movement therewith. When the cylinder 23 is` shifted upwardly along the body 14, for the purpose of setting the slips 2b against the well casing F, as described hereinbelow, the cylinder head 24 moves upwardly out of engagement with the lock keys or dogs 4Z, the larger internal diameter cylinder skirt portion 25 then being disposed opposite the keys, allowing the keys l2 to shift laterally outwardly into the annular cylinder space 27 and completely from the longitudinal grooves 4l in the mandrel 39, thereby freeing the mandrel from the body ,ld of the liner hanger B. Such outward movement of the keys or dogs 42 may be assisted by upward movement or" the mandrel 39 within the body 14, the lower tapered mandrel surfaces if-i urging the keys outwardly, or by downward movement of the mandrel 39 relative to the body lil, the upper tapered surface 47, 45 also urging the keys 4Z in an outward direction. initially, however, the keys l2 are retained in the body slots 5l and in the mandrel grooves il by the cylinder head 2d, the sleeve 23 being prevented from inadvertently shifting upwardly along the body la by one or more shear screws :'55 securing its skirt portion 25 to the lower portion of the liner hanger body lil.

Fluid pressure is availed of in the liner A to enter the annular cylinder space 27 through the body slots 5l for the purpose of disrupting the shear screws and shifting the cylinder 23 upwardly along the body lli to eX- pand the slips 2@ against well casing F. Thus, the body slots 5l not only function to receive the keys or dogs i2 and couple the setting tool mandrel 39 to the body le of the liner hanger, but also as ports through which fluid can pass into the annular cylinder 27.

The liner, liner hanger and setting tool apparatus A, B, C are lowered in the well casing F by means of the tubular string D attached to the mandrel sub 33, the packing structure le and slips Ztl being in their retracted position, and the keys l2 being held in a position coupling the setting tool mandrel 39 to the body 141- Of the liner hanger by the setting sleeve head 24. The apparatus is run in the well casing until the liner hanger B is disposed in the lower portion of the casing at the desired setting point, with the liner A disposed partially in overlapping relation to the casing F, and also depending in the well bore E therebelow, Circulating fluid can then be pumped down through the tubular string D to the setting tool C, discharging into the liner A, which is of substantially greater internal diameter than the diameter s edy of the central passage S6 through the setting tool mandrei 39, and continuing through the shoe passage il into the well bore E, then passing upwardly through the annulus 57 between the liner A and the wall of the well bore E, as well as between the liner and liner hanger and the well casing, back through the tubing string-casing annulus 5S to the top of the well bore. During such circulation of fluid, the liner hanger B and liner A can be rotated, if desired, by rotating the tubular string l) and the mandrel 35, 39, the rotary motion being transmitted irom the mandrel through the keys 42 to the body le of the liner hanger B. Tie liner A may also be reciprocated in the well bore E to the desired extent, as by reciprocating the tubular string D and the mandrel 3&5, 39 connected thereto, the reciprocating movement being transmitted through the keys 42 to the body l; of the liner hanger. Such rotary motion or reciprocating motion, or both, is desirable, as, for example, when rotary or reciproc ing types of wall scratchers (not shown), or the like,

mounted on the liner A for purpose of scratchthe mud cake from the wall of the well bore E, to inv :re a proper cement bond between the cementitious material to be Vpumped into the well bore and the wall of the formation. The material scratched from the wall of the well bore is circulated out of the hole by the circulating tluid.

After the hole has been properly conditioned, it is desired to cement the liner A in place. A suitable charge or" cement slurry or other cementitious material is pumped 'ito the tubular string D, and on top of such charge of cement slurry is placed a top cementing plug i-l, followed by suitable displacement fluid. The top cementing plug may include a central rigid body o@ carrying a tubing seal or packing 6l adapted to slidably seal against the wall of the tubular string D and of the mandrel Clamped to the body t, as by means of a clamp nut 62, is an upwardly opening packing 63 adapted to expand outwardly suiiciently to slidably seal against the wall of the liner A, following discharge of the plug H from the setting tool mandrel 39. Such packing may have reinforcing leaf springs 64( on its exterior adapted to expand outwardly, and within such leaf springs, the packing 63 may be folded to some extent, as an umbrella is partially folded, the packing material being made of rubber or rubber-like material, or canvas reinforced with rubber.

The cement slurry is pumped down through the tubing string D ahead of the top cementing plug H, discharging from the mandrel 3% into the liner A and being adapted to pass downwardly through the central passage ll of the liner shoe G into the well bore E, the cement slurry then passing upwardly around the liner A toward the liner hanger B. The liner hanger is then in an unset condition, so that the lluid ahead of the upwardly moving cement can pass upwardly through the clearing space between the liner hanger B and the well casing F. When the top cement plug H discharges from the lower end of the mandrel 39, its upper packing portion o3 will expand outwardly into sealing engagement with the inner wall of the liner A, the displacement duid thereabove then acting on the packing element to hold it against the wall of the liner and forcing it downwardly in slidable sealing engagement with the latter to force the cement slurry ahead of it, until substantially all of the cement slurry is forced out of the liner, as determined by engagement of the plug body et) with the plug lll in the liner shoe G.

During the time that the cement slurry is being pumped into the liner A and then out of the liner, the tubular string D maintains the liner shoe olf the bottom of the hole, or suspended from the liner hanger B. When the plug H bumps against the shoe G, pressure can then be built up in the displacement fluid above the plug, such iluid pressure passing between the lower portion of the mandrel 39 and the liner A, as well as between the mandrel and the liner hanger body llt, and through the ports 5l into the annular cylinder 27. The lluid pressure cannot move above the location of the keys 42 because of the sealing action of the side seal 48 mounted on the mandrel yring 46 against the inner wall of the body 14 of the liner hanger. The huid pressure in the annular cylinder 27 acts upwardly over the annular area of the cylinder head 24 between the periphery of the body 2S and the inner wall of the cylinder skirt 25. When it reaches a predetermined value sutlicient to overcome the shear strength of the shear screws 55, the latter are disrupted and the cylinder 23 is then moved upwardly along the body 14. During the initial phase of such upward movement, the cylinder bears against the slips to disrupt the shear screws 21 holding them in retracted position against the expander 17, moving the slips upwardly along the latter and laterally outwardly into engagement with the wall of the Well casing F. If suhcient pressure is built up within the liner A and in the annular cylinder 23, it will slide the slips 2i) upwardly along the wall of the casing F, carrying the expander 17 upwardly with it to at least partially shorten the packing 16 and expand it outwardly against the wall of the well casing.

The cylinder 23 moves upwardly suiciently along the body t4 to expand the slips 29 against the well casing F and to place the enlarged internal diameter skirt portion of the cylinder opposite the keys or dogs 42, which can then expand outwardly into the annular cylinder to remove their inner portions completely from the longitudinal grooves il in the mandrel 39, thereby freeing the mandrel 39 from the body 14 of the tool. The slip wickers 22 will embed themselves in the wall of the well casing to preclude downward movement of the slips 20 and of the expander 17 wedged behind them. To insure complete sealing of of the packing 16 against the wall of the well casing, the tubular string D and mandrel 33, 39 can then be lowered sufficiently, as permitted by the outward expansion of the locking dogs 42, to bring the lower shoulder 7d or' the mandrel sub 3S into engagement with the upper end 7 il of the upper body head or abutment 15. Sufficient downward weight can now be imposed upon the tubular string D and mandrel sub 3S, which acts on the upper abutment l5 to shift the latter and the body connected thereto downwardly toward the stationary expander 37, to further shortening the packing 16 and compressing it fully and lirrnly into sealing engagement with the wall of the well casing F, and also inwardly against the periphery or the liner hanger body 14. Such downward imposition of force might not be necessary, since, following release of the lock dogs 42 from the mandrel 39, the weight or" the liner A acting on the liner hanger body 11i and the upper abutment 15 might be sufficient to shift the upper abutment l5 toward the expander 17 and fully pack ohC the packing 16 against and between the body 14 and wall of the well Casino F. Following full anchoring in packed-oil condition of the liner hanger B against the casing F, its release is precluded by virtue of the fact that the setting sleeve or cylinder 23 cannot shift relatively downwardly of the body i4 because of the wedging of the lock ring 33 between the tapered surface 36 of the setting sleeve head 24 and the periphery of the body 14.

After the liner hanger B has been anchored in packedof!" condition in the weil casing, the tubular string D can be elevated to elevate the mandrel 3S, 39 from the liner hanger. The tubular string and mandrel can then be thoroughly cleaned, and any excess cement that may have been deposited in the casing F above the liner hanger B removed from the well casing, as by pumping circulating duid either downwardly through the tubular string D and out or" the mandrel 39 for upward passage through the tubing-casing annulus 5S to the top of the hole, or by reversely circulating the cleaning fluid downwardly through the tubing-casing annulus 58 and then upwardly through the mandrel 39 and tubular string D to the top of the well bore. Back tlow of cement slurry into the liner A is prevented by upward seating of the ball valve element 12 against its companion seat 13 in the liner shoe G.

I claim:

l. In liner hanger apparatus adapted to be set in a well casing disposed in a well bore: a body; normally retracted means on said body adapted to be expanded outwardly against the well casing; hydraulically operable means on said body for expanding said normally retracted means; a setting tool; means releasably connecting said setting tool to said body; means retaining said releasable means in position connecting said setting tool to said body; and means responsive to movement of said hydraulically 0perable means in expanding said normally retracted means for shifting said retaining means to a position enabling said releasable means to be released and said setting tool disconnected from said body.

2. In liner hanger apparatus adapted to be set in a well casing disposed in a well bore: a body; normally retracted means on said body adapted to be expanded outwardly against the well casing; means on said body for expanding said normally retracted means; a setting tool; means releasably connecting said setting tooi to said body; means retaining said releasable means in position connecting said setting tool to said body; and means responsive to movement of said expanding means in expanding said normally retracted means for shifting said retaining means to a posiion enabling said releasable means to be released and said setting tool disconnected from said body.

3. In liner hanger apparatus adapted to be set in a well casing disposed in a well bore: a body; normally retracted means on said body adapted to be expanded outwardly against the well casing; hydraulicaily operable means on said body for expanding said normally retracted means; a setting tool; means releasably connecting said setting tool to said body; said hydraulically operable means initially engaging said releasable means to retain said setting tool connected to said body and said hydraulically operable means being movable to expand said normally retracted means and to effect release of said releasable means to disconnect said setting tool from said body.

4. in liner hanger apparatus adapted to be set in a well casing disposed in a well bore: a body; normally retracted means on said body adapted to be expanded outwardly against the well casing; hydraulically operable means on said body for expanding said normally retracted means; a setting tool; means releasably connecting said setting tool to said body; said hydraulically operable means occupyinfy an initial position engaging said releasable means and holding said releasable means coupled to said setting tool, said hydraulically operable means being shiftable, when expanding said normally retracted means, to another position allowing release of said releasable means from said setting tool to disconnect said setting tool from said body.

5. In liner hanger apparatus adapted to be set in a well casing disposed in a well bore: a body; normally retracted means on said body adapted to be expanded outwardly agamst the well casing; means on said body for expanding said normally retracted means; a setting tool; means releasably connecting said setting tool to said body; said expanding means initially engaging said releasable means to retain said setting tool connected to said body and said expanding means being movable to expand said normally retracted means and to eect release of said releasable means to disconnect said setting tool from said body.

6. ln liner hanger apparatus adapted to be set in a well casing disposed in a well bore: a body; normally retracted means on said body adapted to be expanded outwardly against the well casing; means on said body for expanding said normally retracted means; a setting tool; means releasably connecting said setting tool to said body; said expanding means occupying an initial position engaging said releasable means and holding said releasable means coupled to said setting tool, said expanding means being shiftable, when expanding said normally retracted means,

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to another position allowing release of said releasable means from said setting tool to disconnect said setting tool from said body.

7. In liner hanger apparatus adapted to be set in a well casing disposed in a well bore: a body member; normally retracted means on said body member adapted to be expanded outwardly against the well casing; hydraulically operable means on said body member for expanding said normally retracted means; a setting tool member; locl; dogs coupled to said setting tool member and body member to releasably connect said setting tool member to said body member; means retaining said loch dogs in position connecting said setting tool member to said body member; and means responsive to movement of said hydraulically operable means in expanding said normally retracted means for shifting said retaining means to a position enabling said dogs to be uncoupled from one of said members to disconnect said members :from each other.

8. in liner hanger apparatus adapted to be set in a well casing disposed in a well bore: a body member; normally retracted means on said body member adapted to be expanded outwardly against the well casing; means on said body member for expanding said normally retracted means; a setting tool member; lock dogs coupled to said setting tool member and body member to releasably connect said setting tool member to said body member; means retaining said lock dogs in position connecting said setting tool member to said body member; and means responsive to movement of said expanding means in expanding said norrially retracted means for shitting said retaining means to a position enabling said dogs to be uncoupled from one ot said members to disconnect said members from each other.

9. in liner hanger apparatus adapted to be set in a well casing disposed in a well bore: a body member; normally retracted means on said body member adapted to be expanded outwardly against the well casing; hydrau ically operable means on said body member for expanding said 'normally retracted means; a setting tool member; lock dogs coupled to said setting tool member and body member to releasably connect said setting tool member to said body member; said hydraulically operable means occupying an initial position engaging and holding said dogs coupled to said setting tool member, said hydraulically operable means being shiftable, when expanding said normally retracted means, to ano" er position allowing lateral outward movement of said dogs and their uncoupling from said setting tool member to release said setting tool ember from said body member.

10. In liner hanger apparatus adapted to be set in a well casing disposed in a well bore: a body member; normally retracted means on said body member adapted to be expanded outwardly against the well casing; means on said body member for expanding said normally retracted means; a setting tool member; lock dogs coupled to said setting tool member and body member to releasably connect said setting tool member to said body member; said xpanding means occupying an initial position engaging :and holding said dogs coupled to said setting tool member, said expanding means being shittable, when expanding said normally retracted means, to another position :allowing lateral outward movement of said dogs and their uncoupling from said setting tool member to release said .setting tool member from said body member.

1l. In liner hanger apparatus ada-)ted to be set in a 'well casing disposed in a well bore: a body; normally retracted means on said body adapted to be expanded outvwardly against the well casing; a hydraulically operable .sleeve on said body for expanding said normally retracted means; said body having a port for feeding iluid within :said body to said sleeve to actuate the same; a setting tool in sealing relation to said body above said port; releasable means coupling said setting tool to said body; said sleeve initially engaging said releasable means to maintain said releasable means in conpling position; said sleeve Cil being shitable on said body in response to pressure in said body passing through said port to expand said normally retracted means and movable to a position releasing said releasable means from said setting tool to disconnect said setting tool from said body.

l2. in liner hanger apparatus adapted to be set in a well casing disposed in a well bore: a body; normally retracted means on said body adapted to be expanded outwardly against the well casing; a hydraulically Operable sleeve on said body for expanding said normally retracted means; said body having a port for feeding iluid within said body to said sleeve to actuate the same; a setting tool in sealing relation to said body above said port; lock dogs coupled to said setting tool and body to releasably con- .ect said setting tool to said body; said sleeve occupying "al position engaging and holding said dogs coupled setting tool member, said sleeve being shift-able body in response to lluid pressure in said body passing through said port to expand said normally retracted means and movable to a position allowing lateral outward movement oi said dogs and their uncoupling from said setting tool to release said setting tool from said body.

13. in combination: a liner to be se. in a well bore containing a well casing; a liner hanger including a body connected to the upper portion of said liner, normally retracted means on said body adapted to be expanded outwardly against the well casing, hydraulically operable means on said body for expanding said normally retracted means, said body having a port for feeding iuid under pressure within said body to said hydraulically operable means to actuate the same; a tubular setting tool in sealing relation to said body above said port and adapted to be connected to a tubular running-in string; means releasably connecting said setting tool to said body; said hydraulically operable means initially engaging said releasable means to retain said setting tool connected to said body; and means preventing discharge of iluid from said liner to en ole lluid pressure to be imposed through the runningin string, setting tool, body and port to said hydraulically opera le means to shift said hydraulically operable means on said body to a position expanding said normally retracted means and releasing said releasable means to disconnect said setting tool from said body.

14. ln combination: a liner to be set in a Well bore containing a well casing; a liner hanger including a body connected to the upper portion of said liner, normally retracted means on said body adapted to be expanded outwardly against the well casing, hydraulically operable means on said body for expanding said normally retracted means, said body having a port for feeding liuid under pressure Within said body to said hydraulically operable means to actuate the same; a tubular setting tool in sealing relation to said body above said port and adapted to be connected to a tubular running-in string; means releasably connecting said setting tool to said body; said hydraulically operable means initially engaging said releasable means to retain said setting tool connected to said body; and a cementing plug adapted to be pumped through the running-in string, setting tool, and into said liner for preventing discharge of uid from said liner to enable lluid pressure to be imposed through the runningin string, setting tool, body and port to said hydraulically operable means to shift said hydraulically operable means on said body to a position expanding said normally re tracted means and releasing said releasable means to disconnect said setting tool from said body.

l5. ln combination: a liner to be set in a well bore containing a Well casing; a liner hanger including a body connected to the upper portion of said liner, normally retracted means on said body adapted to be expanded out- .ardly against the Well casing, hydraulically operable means on said body for expanding said normally retracted means, said body having a port for feeding duid under pressure within said body to said hydraulically operable means to actuate the same; a setting tool in sealing reiation to said body above said port and adapted to be connected to a tubular running-in string; lock dogs coupled to said setting tool and body to releasably connect said setting tool to said body; said hydraulically operable means occupying an initial position engaging and holding said dogs coupled to said setting tool member; and means preventing discharge of fluid from said liner to enable uid pressure to be imposed through the running-in string, setting tool, body and port to said hydraulicaliy operable means to shift said hydraulically operable means on said body from said initial position toward a position expanding said normally retracted means and allowing lateral outward movement of said dogs and their uncoupling from said setting tool to release said setting tool from said body.

16. In combination: a liner to be set in a Well bore containing a Well casing; a liner hanger including a body connected to the upper portion of said liner, normally retracted means on said body adapted to be expanded outwardly against the well casing, hydraulically operable means on said body for expanding said normally retracted means, said body having a port for feeding fluid under pressure Within said body to said hydraulically operable means to actuate the same; a setting tool in sealing relation to said body above said port and adapted to be conected to a tubular running-in string; lock dogs coupled to said setting tool and body to releasably connect said setting tool to said body; said hydraulically operable means occupying an initial position engaging and holding said dogs coupled to said setting tool member; and a cementing plug adapted to be pumped through the running-in string, setting tool, and into said liner for preventing discharge of fiuid from said liner to enable fluid pressure to be imposed through the running-in string, setting tool, body and port to said hydraulically operable means to shift said hyraulically operable means on said body to another position expanding said normally retracted means and allowing lateral outward movement of said dogs and their uncoupling from said setting tool to release said setting tool from said body.

Baker Apr. 6, 1943 Burt et al. Apr. 6, 1943 

1. IN LINER HANGER APPARATUS ADAPTED TO BE SET IN A WELL CASING DISPOSED IN A WELL BORE: A BODY; NORMALLY RETRACTED MEANS ON SAID BODY ADAPTED TO BE EXPANDED OUTWARDLY AGAINST THE WELL CASING; HYDRAULICALLY OPERABLE MEANS ON SAID BODY FOR EXPANDING SAID NORMALLY RETRACTED MEANS; A SETTING TOOL; MEANS RELEASABLY CONNECTING SAID SETTING TOOL TO SAID BODY; MEANS RETAINING SAID RELEASABLE MEANS IN POSITION CONNECTING SAID SETTING TOOL TO SAID BODY; AND MEANS RESPONSIVE TO MOVEMENT OF SAID HYDRAULICALLY OP- 